Hi, could someone please explain the hormone feedback loops, i really don't understand them.
Like for oxytoxin, hcg and the menstrual cycle ones.
Hey so
For oxytocin, its a positive feedback look, because during childbirth, oxytocin is released in response to the stretching of the cervix and uterus. This hormone causes the uterus to contract. These contractions push the baby further down the birth canal, leading to more stretching of the cervix, which triggers the release of more oxytocin. This forms a positive feedback loop, where increased oxytocin leads to stronger contractions, further stimulating the release of more oxytocin until the baby is delivered.
In comparison, a negative feedback loop is when the body's temperature rises above the body detects this change and signals the brain. In response, the brain activates cooling mechanisms sweat glands produce sweat, and blood vessels near the skin dilate to release heat. As the body cools down and the temperature returns to the set point, the temperature-sensing cells detect this change and signal the brain to cease the cooling response. This mechanism is negative feedback loop cause the body's response (cooling mechanisms) opposes the initial change in temperature, aiming to maintain the body's optimal temperature and achieve homeostasis.
For menstural cycles, the pituitary gland secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries. As the follicles develop, they produce estrogen. Rising estrogen levels trigger the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This surge in LH stimulates the most mature follicle to release an egg in a process called ovulation. Ovulation itself is a positive feedback event when the egg is released, it can trigger further production of estrogen, which in turn can further increase the levels of LH, promoting the completion of ovulation. This process creates psotiive feedback loop, as the release of the egg stimulates the production of more hormones that continue to support the cycle, preparing the body for a potential pregnancy.
Hope this helps